Wild Stallion by Delores Fossen Read Free Book Online

police in his personal matters.”
    But this was more than personal—it was a safety issue that might spill over to Caden. “Just what kind of threat was it?”
    Evan hesitated so long, she wasn’t sure he was going to answer her. “It said ‘Jackson Malone, I won’t forgive and forget. Watch your back.’ Someone left it outside his San Antonio office, but two others were left on his car when it was parked in the underground garage at work.”
    Bailey shook her head. “Maybe it’s related to his business?”
    He made a sound deep within his throat that hinted it might be related to her. But how could it be? If the person or persons who wanted her dead also wanted to silence her for something connected to the hostage situation, then why go after Jackson?
    “The bottom line is that it isn’t a good time for you to be here,” Evan warned.
    “Maybe not,” Jackson interrupted. He had obviously overheard what his business manager had said. “But she’s staying until I clear up some things.”
    Bailey was thankful that he might actually believe she was innocent, but she didn’t think Jackson was extending any invitations for her to see Caden. “What did you say to the intruder?”
    “I told him I would bury him if he didn’t tell me the truth.” Jackson said it calmly, but there was nothing calm about his demeanor.
    “Did he tell you who he is?” Bailey pressed.
    “No. But I suspect he’s some kind of hired gun. He doesn’t seem smart enough to pull a stunt like this on his own. When the sheriff runs his prints, I’m betting we’ll know a lot more about him.” He turned to Evan. “Why are you here?”
    Evan shrugged, as if the answer were obvious. “First the threatening letter. Then Bailey’s arrival. I thought you could use a little backup.”
    The muscles in Jackson’s jaw stirred, but he kept his attention fastened to the injured man the medics were loading into the ambulance.
    “In addition to getting me the info on Caden’s birth mother, there is something you can do,” he said to Evan as the ambulance drove away. The sheriff and one of the deputies followed along right behind it. “There are two women who were at the hospital during the hostage situation. Shannon Wright and Robin Russo. I need you to dig deep and see if one of them possibly took Bailey’s son.”
    “Considering they were connected to the hostages and investigation that followed, I’m sure the cops have already done this,” Evan quickly pointed out.
    “Do it again.” And it was definitely an order. “While you’re at it, I want another thorough background check on Ryan Cassaine.” Now Jackson looked at her. “He’s the adoption attorney I used.”
    That sent her heart racing again. Did that mean Jackson was at least allowing for the possibility that Caden was her son?
    “Why are you doing this?” she heard herself whisper. “Why are you willing to help me?”
    “I’m not,” Jackson quickly clarified. “I want the truth so I can get you out of my life. I don’t believe Caden is yours. I think you’re so desperate to find your child that you’re willing to latch on to mine.”
    That stung more than she thought. Probably because she had started to feel this weird camaraderie between them. And the equally weird attraction. But Bailey just realized that Jackson had put her in her place.
    “You’re not going to have her taken into custody for questioning?” Evan demanded.
    Again, Jackson hesitated. “No. Not until I have the answers I want.”
    Answers the intruder might provide. But there was another way to settle one aspect of this baby issue once and for all. “You can do the test to compare Caden’s DNA to mine,” she reminded Jackson in a whisper. However, her lowered voice failed because Evan obviously heard her anyway.
    “A DNA test is a bad idea,” Evan instantly responded. Again, he tried to take Jackson aside, but Jackson held his ground. “Consult your legal department. I doubt one of